Quick Hit:

In a cringeworthy display of bias, MSNBC legal analyst Andrew Weissmann gushed over Judge Juan Merchan Wednesday, professing a "man crush" on the judge overseeing Trump’s hush money trial. Conservatives ridiculed Weissmann’s comments as further proof of MSNBC’s blatant bias against Trump.

Key Details:

• Andrew Weissmann, a former top prosecutor in the Mueller investigation, declared a "man crush" on Judge Juan Merchan, praising his handling of Trump’s trial and describing him as the supposed epitome of judicial excellence.

• Lara Trump and Fox & Friends hosts mocked Weissmann’s comments, pointing out Merchan’s financial support for left-wing causes and accusing him of clear political bias against Donald Trump.

• Critics argue that Merchan’s rulings and the charges brought by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg are part of a politically motivated effort to undermine Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Diving Deeper:

In an eyebrow-raising moment on MSNBC, legal analyst Andrew Weissmann, known for his role in the Mueller investigation, professed a "man crush" on Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Weissmann’s over-the-top praise for Merchan has drawn scorn from conservative commentators, who view it as blatant evidence of MSNBC’s bias against Trump.

"As you noted with respect to Judge Merchan, I mean—I am like now, you know, I have like a 'man crush' on him," Weissmann gushed. "He is such a great judge that it's hard to see that the jurors wouldn't have the same impression." Weissmann lauded Merchan’s supposedf judicial temperament and fairness, even suggesting that Merchan’s demeanor would impress the jury. "He has had to put up with the defendant who committed 10 acts of contempt, he's threatened not just him, but his family, and in spite of that, you would not know for a second that that is in any way weighing on him," Weissmann said, describing the trial as “impeccably fair.”

Conservative reactions were swift and pointed. Fox News’ Lara Trump, speaking on Fox & Friends, ridiculed Weissmann’s comments, questioning the credibility of both Weissmann and Merchan. "This guy wakes up weaponized to go after Donald Trump," Brian Kilmeade remarked, highlighting Merchan’s donations to left-wing causes and Joe Biden’s campaign.

Lawrence Jones, another Fox & Friends host, predicted that any potential conviction of Trump would likely be overturned, arguing that the trial is a politically motivated attack on Trump. “They’re fawning over this judge, and maybe it goes to the point of it was never about a legitimate case, it was about what they could weaponize during a political campaign,” Jones said.

Lara Trump further accused Judge Merchan of issuing unconstitutional gag orders to silence Trump about the case. “This is not a surprise at all. This guy is a hero to the left because you have to take a look at all the ways he has ruled against Donald Trump and his defense,” she said.

Despite the legal challenges, Lara Trump remained optimistic, suggesting that even if confined to his home, the former president could adapt his campaign strategy. “If you’re a person who wants Joe Biden to be assisted by this case and you dislike Donald Trump, I bet you have a big man crush on Juan Merchan,” she added.